Well, if you own a home I can guess your least favorite pest. Mind you, most pests are bad. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that all pests are unwelcome! But if you actually own the house you stay in, then few things will strike fear into you like the termite. Actually discovering one of these little creeps in your home is enough to send you into a panic. But, unfortunately, down here in the land of sunshine and beaches we have something of an issue. That’s why today we’ll be discussing Florida termite problems, and what you can do to keep your home safe.
Florida Termite problems: Overview
In a state that’s close to famous for its pest control issues, the termite stands among some of the worst. Orkin has compiled and released its 2021 top 50 termite cities list on Tuesday. And unfortunately, four Florida cities are on the list. Three of our major metro areas even rank among the top ten worst.
The data is based on the metro areas where Orkin performed the most first-time termite treatments. They also took into account calls for service from February 2020 to the end of January 2021. This includes both commercial and residential treatments. And unshockingly, Miami has held the number one spot for the third year running. And close behind in number three? Well, that’s right here in Tampa. L.A. is the city in that coveted number two spot right between them. Orlando made sure not to be outdone, though, squeezing into number nine instead of its usual 10th spot.
But this should come as no surprise. Not only is the state full-to-burst and teetering on the brink of overpopulation, but it’s very hot and very humid. That means it’s a place that pests like Termites can thrive. In fact, last year’s record-breaking number of storms and hurricanes gave the burrowing pests exactly what they need to survive: moisture. And lots of it. That’s one of the reasons for such bad Florida termite problems.
Did the pandemic increase the number of termites?
In the year 2020, we spent a lot of time indoors. Apparently, that has affected the statistics slightly. Termite swarms probably didn’t increase in number while everyone was inside trying not to get sick. More likely, being home more just allowed people to realize that they had a termite problem in the first place.
Florida Termite Problems: The Suspects
Unfortunately, the sunshine state is home to a diverse number of termite species. In Florida, there are about twenty-one species, and at least six of the established twenty-one are invasive. This ranks us number one on the diversity list for termites as well, thanks to our sub-tropical climate and high human activity.
Thankfully, only a handful of those species are actual pest insects. There are four types in general, and we’ll touch on them here.
Dampwood TERMITES
Of Florida’s termite problems, these guys present themselves as the largest. At least, the largest physically. Some of them are even the largest termites in the entire U.S. They live in tropical regions because they feed on damp and decaying wood. They also require more moisture than other species, which is what makes Florida such an appealing spot for them.
The southern dampwood termites that you’ll find in the state require a high level of humidity. That, and a readily available water source. They build their nests within the source of wood they are consuming. Because of their food preference, Florida dampwood termites usually do not damage homes and buildings. However, they will infest a home or building that has areas of moisture buildup. Roof leaks, pipe leaks, wood that is in contact with soil, and wood that is exposed to rain or sprinklers are common causes for moisture buildup, which will attract Florida dampwood termites.
Drywood Termites
If Florida’s termite problems could be categorized as the beds from the goldilocks story, this would be the termite that isn’t too big or too little. But if you ask me, any termite is too much termite. Drywood termites are smaller than dampwood termites, but larger than subterranean. They also have slimmer bodies and shorter legs, causing them to be much slower than most other species. Like dampwood termites, drywood termites build their colonies inside of the wood they feed on. Drywood termites feed on woods that have lower moisture content, so they commonly infest homes, buildings, and furniture. They eat hardwoods and softwoods alike, and they seem to prefer sapwood.
Subterranean Termites
And then we have the actual underground termites. Unlike the other two species, these termites don’t nest in the wood that they’re eating. Instead, they build their nests underground and then create mud tubes from their nests to their food sources to protect themselves from the elements. They prefer decaying wood over fresh, structurally sound wood.
The formosan subterranean termite is the most widespread and impactful termite. Colonies of this species can contain millions of individuals, as compared to other species whose colonies are more likely to be several hundred. This species forages in the soil as far as 300 feet from the nest. Their massive numbers and impressive foraging distance can be quite hazardous. In fact, Formosan subterranean termites have never been eradicated from any area in which they have become established. These termites can be found in most major urban areas in Florida, as well as the coastal regions of Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach counties.
What do you do about Florida termites?
Well, unfortunately, there’s not much you can do as a lone individual. Moreso than other pests, Florida’s termite problems pose a real risk to your property and health if you have them in your home. And if you see one, you know that there’s a colony nearby since they’re a swarming creature and don’t live alone. But when you find a pest control specialist, look for one that uses natural and humane pest control tactics, as others may be a risk to your health or that of your family.
